Beaches & Islands
Ezhimala & Ettikulam Beach
A headland of hills and quiet beaches, home to the Naval Academy north of Kannur.
- 55.9 km from Nesma Palace
- 61 min drive
- Best: October to March
- Ideal for travellers happy to drive for quiet beaches and views
- Distance from Nesma Palace
- 55.9 km
- Drive time
- 61 min
- Best time
- October to March
- Time to allow
- Half a day including the drive
- Category
- Beaches & Islands
- Ideal for
- Travellers happy to drive for quiet beaches and views
About Ezhimala & Ettikulam Beach
Ezhimala is a cluster of hills rising straight from the sea near Payyanur, about an hour north of Mattannur. The Indian Naval Academy occupies the headland, so parts are restricted, but the beaches around it, including Ettikulam, are open and usually empty.
Dolphins are sometimes seen off Ettikulam bay. The hills carry old legends and are tied in local tradition to stories from the life of the Buddha.
Things to see and do
Ettikulam bay
A curved, quiet beach below the hills where dolphins are occasionally spotted offshore.
The hills and headland
Ezhimala's peaks rise about 260 metres from the sea and are a landmark along this coast.
Naval Academy setting
The academy sits on the headland. Public access is limited to the open beaches around it.
Best time and tips
October to March.
- It is a longer drive, so plan a full half-day.
- Access to the hills is restricted, so stick to the open beaches.
- Carry food and water, facilities are limited.
- Combine it with the wider Payyanur area.
Local tip
The hill itself is a restricted defence area; the beach and the viewpoints below it are open to visitors.
Getting there
The drive from Nesma Palace
Road route and geography © OpenStreetMap contributors
By road from the hotel
55.9 km · about 61 min
- Time to allow there
- Half a day including the drive
- Starting point
- Nesma Palace, Mattannur
- Flying in
- Kannur International Airport is 7.8 km from the hotel, about 10 minutes by road
Plan your stay
Stay 61 min away at Nesma Palace
Ezhimala is about an hour from Nesma Palace, the farthest of the coastal spots, so it suits a dedicated day out.
Nesma Palace is a 4-star hotel in Mattannur, 7.8 km from Kannur International Airport, and an easy base for exploring Kannur.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Ezhimala Naval Academy?
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The academy itself is restricted. The open beaches around the Ezhimala headland, including Ettikulam, are accessible to visitors.
What is special about Ettikulam Beach?
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It is a quiet, curved bay below the Ezhimala hills where dolphins are sometimes seen offshore. It stays uncrowded.
How far is Ezhimala from Nesma Palace?
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About an hour by road from Mattannur, so it works best as a dedicated day trip rather than a quick evening out.